Dr. Dana Lapointe, ND Unlock Your Muscles and Play Better Golf: A Case for Robotic Therapy
Theresa Edmunds, CHC
Don’t Jump on the Knee or Back Surgery Bandwagon
Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT Is Your Meal Plan Causing Your Symptoms?
Jenni Berman, PA-C, ABAAHP
What’s the Real Deal with Root Canals?
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD Discover
Lisa H Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT
Ozone Therapy
Ozone Therapy is highly e ective for chronic conditions by improving blood circulation and oxygen delivery:
• Energy Rejuvenation
• Reducing In ammation
• Pain Management
• Boosting Immune Support
Why The DripBar is di erent than other IV Infusion Clinics:
Drip Specialists are RNs, and backed by a Medical Director. Treatments free of chemical and microbial contaminants. Compounding is done on-site and in a sterile environment to prevent clients from contamination.
Hey, I’m Dr. Diane!
Ihopeyou’re all as excited about this issue as I am—our second annual reader nominated 10Best Awards issue! All of us here at Essential Naples are proud to offer the first reader nominated awards exclusively for the holistic business community in Southwest Florida. We hope you use this issue as a resource for all of 2025.
One of our wishes for this issue is that it inspires you to reach out to these amazing people and support them. Our SWFL holistic practitioners are extremely passionate about helping their local communities and all of our winners are overwhelmingly grateful to you, our reader, for helping to bring more awareness to all of the amazing natural and ecofriendly choices we have in this great area of Florida.
Spring is here and for many of us it’s a time to put our attention on spring cleaning—not just for our homes, but for our health. That’s why this issue is focused on brain health, longevity and extending our lifespan through adopting healthier lifestyles.
“Congratulations
to Ashley Frament, celebrating ten years as our amazing and wonderfully talented graphic designer for Natural Nutmeg and Essential Naples!”
—Dr.
Diane Hayden, PhD
Speaking of longevity, I want to dedicate this issue to my amazing and wonderfully talented graphic designer, Ashley Frament. Ashley joined our team in March of 2015, and we are celebrating ten years of working together! I remember the first day I met Ashley—she was carrying a gorgeous leather satchel from the Saddleback Leather Company, and I fell in love with it immediately. I still remember her saying to me when I complimented her, “You know their slogan is ‘They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead’”!
So you can imagine the style and quality of this bag! I knew from that first meeting that Ashley was a perfect fit for our team, and ten years later I still feel the same.
Ashley has gone above and beyond for me so many times I can’t count.
From dealing with a quirky branding consultant who made us jump through ridiculous hoops in rebranding the layout design, to having to work weekends because of the never-ending lastminute ads that come in hours before our print deadline, to creating gorgeous designs for so many of our advertisers, to me changing images and shuffling things around—she does it all with a smile, no matter what time of day it is!
I have so much gratitude for her that I just can’t put it into words. She has been my rock—always willing to jump in and do the work, taking initiative and making the magazine look absolutely stunning (I finally relinquished choosing the covers myself and she does a fantastic job picking them). She is witty and funny, and we laugh constantly over the crazy things that happen. She goes the extra mile for me and all my advertisers when they need last minute changes, she’s helped staff events for us, and she is just an all-around amazing person to know and to work with.
So, thank you Ashley, for everything you’ve done for us for the last ten years. I can only hope there will be many more!
Wishing you health and happiness,
Dr. Diane Hayden,
PhD Publisher & Owner, ELM Publishing
Essential NAPLES
Vol. 5, Issue 4
Essential Naples is a quarterly lifestyle publication in SWFL for health-minded locals who need credible information on holistic health and well-being trends. Our coverage is 100% local with expert content that interests both local residents and professional integrated practitioners.
PUBLISHER/OWNER
Dr. Diane Hayden, PhD
Diane@essentialnaples.com
DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/OWNER
Christopher Urso
Curso@naturalnutmeg.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lori Hubbard
lori@naturalnutmeg.com
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Colleen Lee colleen@naturalnutmeg.com
ADVISORY BOARD
Nina Azwoir, Financial
Deanna M. Cherrone, MD
Derrick DeSilva, MD
Theresa Edmunds, CHC
Betsy Opyt, RD, LD/N, CDE
Denise Pancyrz, Nutrition
Josephine Perez, DMD
DISTRIBUTION
Naples and SWFL, please contact curso@naturalnutmeg.com
Essential Naples Magazine essentialnaples.com
In keeping with our concern for the environment, Essential Naples is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.
Essential Naples is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout SWFL. Please email curso@naturalnutmeg.com for locations near you.
Welcome to the second annual Essential Naples 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards issue— our celebration of all things holistic we love about Southwest Florida. These awards bring massive awareness throughout the area for holistic businesses and practitioners, and we have received amazing feedback from the winners and readers. Many new business owners in categories including Holistic Spas, Acupuncture, and Holistic Psychotherapy said they had just discovered the magazine and didn’t realize their customers were avid readers and fans.
We are proud to be the first reader-nominated awards exclusively for the holistic business community in Southwest Florida. Enjoy all the selections and let us know what you think about the winners and any businesses that are still best-kept secrets!
By Dr. Diane Hayden, Publisher of Essential Naples Magazine
Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dr. Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Spine & Joint Institute Naples, FL • 239.330.1000 sta @feelamazing.com feelamazing.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on stem cells for spine and joint, neuropathy solutions for legs, feet, and hands, and spinal decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a chiropractic neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
AcuHerbal Wellness Center Ft. Myers, FL
Acupuncture Center of Naples Naples, FL
Acupuncture and Natural Health Solutions Naples, FL
Biggs Acupuncture Naples, FL
Bodywork/Massage Therapy/ Chiropractic Physician
Dr. Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Spine & Joint Institute Naples, FL • 239.330.1000 sta @feelamazing.com feelamazing.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on stem cells for spine and joint, neuropathy solutions for legs, feet, and hands, and spinal decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a chiropractic neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
Bergtold Chiropractic Naples, FL
Dr. Cade Copeland Naples, FL
Julie Meer
Dorn Pain Academy LLC Naples, FL • 239.315.1975 juliemeer@dornacadintl.com dornacadintl.com
Experience full-body pain relief for all ages through intuitive touch and unique global techniques, including the Meer Method* (U.S.), Spinal Flow* (Australia), Dorn Method (Germany). The body’s natural intelligence works to restore, alleviate, and heal pain or discomfort. My role is simply to support and guide this process. Try it!
Theresa Edmunds is a certified health coach and owner of Naples Robotic Pain Relief. This innovative technology uses the static pressure of the robotic arm to release muscle tension, lengthening muscles back to their original state. This reduces pressure on joints/bones and increases flexibility. Clients report pain resolution, greater mobility, recovery from injury, increased range of motion, and a general feeling of well-being.
Nina Azwoir is a licensed Financial Advisor with over 17 years of industry experience in the realm of wealth management, financial planning, and retirement solutions. Nina has the knowledge and perspective to help keep her clients and their financial future on a steady course as they navigate through life and retirement. Her highest priority is her clients and their families. Reach out to Nina for your complimentary financial plan.
Berman Health and Wellness is the best at helping individuals to reach their goal weight and improve their gut health while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Through nutrition based medicine, we treat problems and not symptoms, heal your insides, and get you off medications.
Susie Bagwell
I Love Oils, Inc.
Fort Myers, FL • 239.689.3649 o ce@iloveoils.com iloveoils.com
Susie Bagwell is a pioneer in the world of essential oils. Her experience started over 25 years ago when learning how to care for her children naturally. She joined dōTERRA at its inception and offers wellness consultations, group classes and specialized AromaTouch Technique training.
Sue Campanella combines Life Coaching Techniques with energy healing modalities. This fusion helps clear imbalances that may be causing mental, emotional, or physical obstacles. Sue serves as your accountability partner for positive transformation, equipping you with tools that align with your unique needs, supporting you in becoming self-reliant.
Theresa Edmunds is a certified health coach and owner of Naples Robotic Pain Relief. This innovative technology uses the static pressure of the robotic arm to release muscle tension, lengthening muscles back to their original state. This reduces pressure on joints/bones and increases flexibility. Clients report pain resolution, greater mobility, recovery from injury, increased range of motion, and a general feeling of well-being.
Esthetician/Holistic & Organic Spa
Lynn Brewer
Cloud9 Float Spa & Wellness Center Fort Myers, FL • 239.887.4161 6900-29 Daniels Pkwy lynn@C9floatspa.com
Cloud9 Float Spa & Wellness Center will be celebrating our 6th anniversary on April 1. What an exciting time it has been as we continue educating clients on the many benefits of magnesium for health. Many lives have been restored, reclaimed, and enriched by adding floating to their weekly routine. Make your appointment today to start enriching your life.
Katie Schweighoefer
Skin + Sculpt Holistic Medi Spa (Formerly Holistic Glow Med Spa) Naples, FL • 239.420.4569 glownaples@gmail.com holisticglownaples.com
We are a results oriented holistic medi spa in downtown Naples on 5th Ave. South. We offer the popular noninvasive HIFU face and neck lift, RF needling, IPL facials, body sculpting with Liposonix and Kuma shape for cellulite reduction, and of course EMS body sculpting for noninvasive, effective results.
Bruce Wallace
Naples Fitness & Personal Training
Naples • 239.412.2544
Bruce@Naples-Fitness.com Naples-Fitness.com
Naples Fitness & Personal Training, LLC is a passion based business that enables me to work with individuals in becoming the best possible version of themselves through fitness and strength training, nutrition coaching and specific sport coaching.
I am a triple-certified Holistic Health Coach specializing in frequency therapy and DNAbased bioresonance scans to identify precise healing needs. With 20+ years in holistic wellness, I support clients worldwide—including medical professionals— in restoring physical, emotional, and psychological balance. Currently advancing my clinical expertise through naturopathic certification to deepen healing outcomes.
Dr. Case is an orthopedic surgeon with twenty-five years of experience. He provides the lastest generation platelet-rich plasma and stem cell treatments, peptides, and testosterone replacement to avoid major surgeries, decrease pain, and optimize joint mobility and function. We help you get your life back.
Dr. Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing
Spine & Joint Institute
Naples, FL • 239.330.1000
sta @feelamazing.com feelamazing.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on stem cells for spine and joint, neuropathy solutions for legs, feet, and hands, and spinal decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a chiropractic neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
Carlene Rimes
Mobile Rehab, Rimes Integral Therapy for Neurological Health
Owner of Mobile Rehab, a concierge-style mobile outpatient practice, and Rimes Integral Therapy for Neurological Health, an advanced neurological rehabilitation center, she is committed to providing a superior level of holistic care. As a passionate advocate, she actively participates in groundbreaking neurological research that has received recognition nationally and internationally.
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD
Pure Dental
Naples, FL • 239.692.9623 puredentalnaples.com
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD, has been practicing dentistry for 29 years. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston and interned at New Orleans Coast Guard/Navy Base. Her holistic approach to dentistry encompasses each person’s unique and entire (or whole, therefore holistic) state of physical and emotional well-being. The ability to maintain health through preventive measures and treatments of oral disease is her priority. Dr. Perez focuses on the underlying condition, rather than only treating the symptoms. She tests for biocompatibility to find pathways to reduce inflammation.
Best Medicine is the holistic/ functional practice of Carol L. Roberts, MD, providing longevity services, including natural hormone replacement therapy, peptides and second opinions for chronic conditions undertreated by conventional medicine. Located in Sarasota, Florida, Dr. Roberts has decades of experience in the field and truly listens to her patients.
Lisa H Sprague MSS, PTA, LMT
Good News Doctor Naples
Naples, FL • 239.821.1223
GoodNewsLisa@aol.com goodnewsdoctor.com
This is where cellular science meets holistic healing! I believe that all healing starts at the cellular level. Cutting-edge therapies, diagnostics and natural solutions target the root causes of cellular dysfunction and help you recover and optimize your performance, health and well-being from a deeper level and at a faster rate. Restore to optimal health with a holistic approach. It is never too late. I hope to see you soon!
Nick Thakkar
The DRIPBaR Naples Florida • 239.422.4604 naplesfl240@thedripbar.com thedripbar.com/naples
DRIPBaR Naples offers functional and regenerative medicine with IV vitamin therapy, ALA, blood ozone therapy, and high-dose vitamin C. Designed to optimize wellness, boost energy, and support immune health, their personalized treatments target inflammation, enhance detoxification, and promote cellular repair for improved vitality and long-term health.
Jo Vaccarino, CCT, LMT, MLD-C Be Well Thermal Imaging and Natural Health Clinic
Body and mind balancing modalities to help you be well: clinical thermography is a noninvasive test to detect abnormalities and help guide treatments. Frequency specific microcurrent (FSM) is targeted therapy based on over a century of practice used for muscular/skeletal/nerve pain, injury, trauma, anxiety and more.
Conventional dentistry? Unconventional dentistry? Like everything in life, it’s what you do with that conventional knowledge—or better yet, how life leads you into this path— that matters most. Most dentists who follow the unconventional path may incorporate more than one of the following philosophies, and very few do them all.
At Pure Dental Naples, we do it all. We treat our patients holistically: treating the mouth and teeth as part of the whole body, emphasizing the connection between dental health and overall health, using biocompatible materials, avoiding toxins (like mercury and nickel), and promoting natural remedies.
We take a biological approach, considering the impact of dental materials and procedures on the body’s biology, avoiding harmful materials, and supporting the body’s natural healing abilities. We test for material biocompatibility, addressing the oral-systemic health links and focusing on minimally invasive procedures.
We practice principles of functional medicine, focusing on the underlying causes of dental issues and identifying and treating the root causes of dental problems, not just symptoms. We integrate nutrition, lifestyle, and systemic health in treatment plans utilizing advanced diagnostics.
We are an integrative practice that combines traditional dental practices with alternative and complementary therapies and provides a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses dental and overall health. We use therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional counseling alongside conventional treatments.
We practice wellness dentistry, maintaining optimal health and preventing disease through dental care. We emphasize preventive care and overall wellness and promote a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and preventive treatments to maintain dental and general health.
We also practice biomimetic dentistry, mimicking the natural structure, function, and aesthetics of teeth, preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible, and restoring its original strength and function. And we use advanced adhesive techniques and materials that closely replicate natural tooth properties, focusing on minimally invasive restorations that integrate seamlessly with natural teeth.
At Pure Dental Naples, it’s not only being “metal free”— it’s knowing how to safely remove it to protect the patients as well as the staff and the environment. It’s about knowing which materials are compatible with each person, and knowing how to test for it. It’s not only about using ozone—it’s about knowing its science, its half-life, safety, its purest form, and the concentrations necessary to achieve it. It’s not only about being fluoride-free—it’s about recalcification modalities and nutritional aspects that help make teeth stronger. It’s about knowing how to read laboratory results and understanding that your body has the ability to heal if we just remove the roadblocks. It’s about having a whole team of specialists on the same page, working together and using their own specialty to achieve the best outcomes.
Our whole team is certified and ready to reach the common goal—maintaining health and quality of life. At Pure Dental Naples, we love questions...and we love what we do!
As a holistic practitioner, I provide health coaching and energy work to help create a balanced peaceful life. Coaching and Reiki energy work is done virtually by appointment only. Applications: recovery from illness, lifestyle changes, nutrition guidance, weight loss. Thank you readers for voting for me again in 2025.
A nonprofit organization whose mission is to create healing spaces that augment the innate immune system, weaving together ancestral wisdom and the future of frequency medicine. We aspire to build a frequency hotel, immersing guests into healing waters and nature’s frequencies. Dr. Romero’s specialty is mito-circadian health “light medicine.”
Cynthia Sharpe Cynchronisity Biofeedback & Healing Energy Work
Naples, FL • 239.298.6969
cynthia@cynchronisity.com Cynchronisity.com
Cynthia Sharpe, Certified Biofeedback Specialist, empowers clients through holistic wellness. She integrates biofeedback, energy work, eye pattern trauma release, chromotherapy, sound therapy, kinesiology and more to support emotional balance, pain relief, and sleep. Her personalized approach, helps clients reset their nervous system, creating new life patterns to achieve lasting well-being.
Lisa H Sprague MSS, PTA, LMT
Good News Doctor Naples Naples, FL • 239.821.1223
GoodNewsLisa@aol.com
goodnewsdoctor.com
This is where cellular science meets holistic healing! I believe that all healing starts at the cellular level. Cutting-edge therapies, diagnostics and natural solutions target the root causes of cellular dysfunction and help you recover and optimize your performance, health and well-being from a deeper level and at a faster rate. Restore to optimal health with a holistic approach. It is never too late. I hope to see you soon!
Sylvia Young Mindful Resonance LLC Naples, FL • 310.986.9399
With over 20 years in Energy Healing, I specialize in Frequency Therapy supported by DNA-based bioresonance scans. I guide clients worldwide—including medical professionals—back to emotional, physical, and psychological balance. My work bridges intuition and precision to restore harmony, address root imbalances, and support lasting transformation on every level.
Celestial Elevation Health and Wellness Naples, FL
Carolyn Beauchamp is an Advanced Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and an Advanced Psych - K Facilitator. Her training includes The Wellness Institute, The Alchemy Institute, medical hypnosis, somatic healing, past-life regression, soul retrieval, and chakra soul retrieval. She is also a member of the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association.
Linda Burton LMHC Naples, FL • 239.450.2491 333eternalgrace@gmail.com LindaBurtontherapy.com
I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, life transitions, and grief issues. My holistic approach focuses on healing the mind, body and spirit. Relaxation, breathwork and mindfulness help to reduce stress, improve focus and create balance. The path to a healthy, fulfilling life is a personal journey toward wholeness.
Christina & Charles Patti MY Self Wellness
Bonita Springs, FL • 239.908.9958 info@myselfwellness.com myselfwellness.com
MY Self Wellness offers hope and healing for mental health challenges. As an award-winning ketamine clinic, we combine ketamine treatment with holistic practices for a complete mental reset. Our compassionate approach has helped thousands reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals and alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, and chronic pain.
With years of experience and expertise in a diverse range of specialties including couples counseling, grief support, and addiction therapy, we are dedicated to helping clients navigate their unique challenges. Find peace of mind with our tailored counseling sessions designed to promote healing and personal growth.
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” —Rumi
Ifeel very blessed to live that each and every day. I don’t consider my business a job; it’s innate, a passion, and I love it! I am very grateful for the honor of being Essential Naples 10BEST 2025. Thank you!
My professional journey began with an AS degree in physical therapy, which left me craving to learn more about the human body. Thus, I earned my BS and MSS degrees, and I’m currently working on the PhD! I have extensive experience, skills, and training as a PT assistant, exercise physiologist, and massage therapist, which allow me to be a unique and effective therapist who draws from those three disciplines to benefit my clients.
I specialize in facilitating and optimizing health from the cellular level with cell signaling, frequency therapy, and advanced testing, technologies, and products. Healing is truly a voltage (energy) approach. In addition I use manual/massage techniques and cranial when indicated.
Simply put, I help your body recover and heal by facilitating cellular potential and using the frequencies needed to mobilize the body’s healing resources. The advanced technologies and products I use work at the cellular level and support the functioning of inner regulation mechanisms while enhancing the self-healing capacity.
We move energetically into balance (health and well-being) before we move physically into balance.
Amazing therapies available are advanced PEMF, biofeedback, neurofeedback, SCENAR neuromodulation, StimaWELL back mat, laser, Tesla wellness table, ARP therapy, and more! Advanced testing available includes GlycoCheck microvascular, QEEG brain map, NeuralChek HRV, and advanced biofeedback.
And here is some more exciting news! After twenty-five years of private practice, I recently partnered up with Dr. Mark DeBrincat (the Good News Doctor) to form Good News Doctor Naples. What sets us apart is our holistic, personalized approach to health and wellness. We don’t just mask symptoms—we dig deep to address the underlying causes of health challenges. Our arsenal of natural, alternative therapies is diverse. We combine powerful modalities that incorporate a deep understanding of your unique needs and goals to develop a tailored plan for your optimal health. Our mission is to help you rejuvenate, revitalize, and enhance your well-being, with a special focus on brain health, anti-aging, pain relief, and elevating overall function to promote a long, healthy life. Are you ready to revolutionize your health and unlock your body’s true potential? If so, please connect with me. I care. You matter.
Berman Health and Wellness is the best at helping individuals to reach their goal weight and improve their gut health while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Through nutrition based medicine, we treat problems and not symptoms, heal your insides, and get you off medications.
Denise A. Pancyrz, CHN, DSS™
CuraVida Wellness Solutions
Marco Island, FL • 877.287.2843 denise@mycuravida.com MyCuraVida.com
Wellness Weight Loss focuses on holistic health first — when your body is balanced and thriving, weight loss naturally follows. Through personalized hair analysis functional medicine testing and expert guidance, we help you improve health, lose and maintain weight for lasting results.
Candice Rosen
Candice Rosen Health Counseling Naples, FL • 239.944.6949
candice@candicerosenrn.com candicerosenrn.com
Candice Rosen, a pioneer in glucose monitoring (2007) for weight loss and the reversal of NCDs (non-communicable diseases) focuses her research on the pancreas. She received a grant from Abbott Labs to study her Pancreatic Nutritional Program/Data Driven Fueling Program. She authored two books The Pancreatic Oath and Forget Dieting!
Nick Thakkar
The DRIPBaR Naples Florida • 239.422.6044 naplesfl240@thedripbar.com thedripbar.com/naples
DRIPBaR Naples offers holistic wellness solutions, specializing in weight loss, anti-aging, and NAD+ therapy. Experience personalized IV drips designed to rejuvenate, boost energy, and enhance overall vitality. Our expert team supports your journey to optimal health with cutting-edge treatments tailored to your unique needs. Feel revitalized, inside and out.
Bruce Wallace Naples Fitness & Personal Training Naples, FL • 239.412.2544
Bruce@Naples-Fitness.com Naples-Fitness.com
Naples Fitness & Personal Training, LLC is a passion based business that enables me to work with individuals in becoming the best possible version of themselves through fitness and strength training, nutrition coaching and specific sport coaching.
Concierge Physical Therapy and certified health coaching with focus on physical fitness, core strength, and metabolic health. Programs begin with a holistic evaluation including physical mobility and strength testing, nutritional and sleep habit assessment, and breath function assessment to provide an individualized, sustainable program to optimize health longevity and well-being.
Berman Health and Wellness is the best at helping individuals to reach their goal weight and improve their gut health while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Through nutrition based medicine, we treat problems and not symptoms, heal your insides, and get you off medications.
Are you ready to live your most delicious, vibrant life? Experience unparalleled health and renewed vitality with Joyful Wellness, your destination for in-home weekly personal nutrition chef services, culinary and healthy lifestyle coaching, in-home cooking classes, and beautifully crafted boutique-style organic catering. Transform your health today!
Francesca Scerbo is a nutrition coach & cookbook author. She provides customized food plans based on an individual’s health goal, needs and lifestyle. Her education has allowed her to help clients reduce medication, lose weight and feel better. She specializes in gut health; reducing inflammation; hormone health; and weight loss.
Denise A. Pancyrz, CHN, DSS™ CuraVida Wellness Solutions
Marco Island, FL • 877.287.2843
denise@mycuravida.com
MyCuraVida.com
Chronic disease is first addressed with finding root cause. Each wellness package starts with functional medicine testing hair analysis setting the stage for a sound nutritional foundation. We are a comprehensive integrative virtual wellness center resolving type 2 diabetes, digestive issues, weight loss, joint pain, and more.
Heather Bauer Naples, FL
Chefs for Seniors
Naples, FL
D-Signed Nutrition
Bonita Springs, FL
Naples Nutrition Naples, FL
Betsy Opyt Naples, FL
Candice Rosen, RN Health Counseling
10Best Holistic Weight Loss
As the pioneer in glucose monitoring for improved health and weight loss, I have spent my life’s work on improving the wellness of both my clients and my community. A registered nurse, social worker, researcher, nutritionist, and author, I was the founding member of Gilda’s Club Chicago and its first executive director, appointed by Mayor Richard Daley. I also served as Chair of Medical Initiatives for Chicago’s Sister Cities International Program.
My experience as a registered nurse and clinical therapist gives me a unique perspective when it comes to nutrition counseling. I understand the medical and psychological components that must be addressed to achieve health goals. I began my career as a scrub nurse, followed by nursing in medical intensive care, dialysis, school nursing, and research.
I believe that all too often, the accepted method of practice is to treat symptoms by masking them with prescription drugs. The cause is ignored. Every day, we must be held accountable for how we treat our bodies and what we put in our bodies…from the food we eat to the media we consume. Addressing the source of an illness is more important than treating the consequences.
The focus of my research is the pancreas. I believe the pancreas is the gatekeeper of good health vs. poor health and weight gain vs. weight loss, and that weight gain and NCDs (noncommunicable diseases: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, type 2 diabetes, low testosterone, polycystic ovarian syndrome, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, renal issues, and even some cancers) stem from pancreatic abuse— any time you raise your blood glucose over 100 ninety minutes after eating, you are asking for trouble. The goal is to keep your blood glucose between 70 and 100.
Using my Pancreatic Nutritional Program, Abbott Labs funded a 2016 study with 20 breast cancer patients with a BMI of 30+. The study was presented in December 2017 at the International Breast Cancer Symposium in San Antonio, Texas.
I spend much of my professional life lecturing, and I have been an advocate for preventative medicine and addressing the global obesity and diabetes epidemics. I am also the author of the books Forget Dieting! and The Pancreatic Oath, both of which reflect the practice of self-health. I believe we are our own primary physician; our doctor is our secondary physician. Originally from Chicago, Candice resides in the Naples area, where I have a small private practice.
Concierge Physical Therapy service specializing in building strength, enhancing wellness, and promoting health longevity. Specialty programs include breath and health longevity focusing on core strengthening and recovery resilience, pre/ post-natal pelvic health and recovery, men and women pelvic health, and hypopressive technique training for postural, core, and breath strengthening.
Peter Bagwell
I Love Oils, Inc.
Fort Myers, FL • 239.689.3649 o ce@iloveoils.com iloveoils.com
Peter uses his experience as a CrossFit trainer to help individual and corporate clients at I Love Oils, Inc. integrate foundational wellness with movement, metabolism, rest and stress management. He is available for one-on-one wellness consultations and can help with HR department wellness challenges.
BILD by Coach O Naples, FL
Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT
Berman Physical Therapy
Naples, FL • 239.431.0232
drberman@bermanpt.com bermanpt.com
Berman Physical Therapy is the best at helping individuals keep active and move better while avoiding needless surgeries and pain pills. With treating problems and not symptoms, they help individuals identify the root cause to their pain and limitations.
Chris Edwards
TriCore
Bonita Springs, FL • 239.233.6178
chris@tricorewellness.com tricorewellness.com
TriCore empowers fitness and wellness businesses to scale online. We offer comprehensive business consulting, integrating technology, health data tracking, and coaching strategies to drive revenue, boost retention, and reduce churn. We're building the future of personalized health coaching that helps businesses save time, help more people, and make more money!
Naples Fitness and PT Naples, FL
Onyx Cycle and Flow Naples, FL
Yoga/Pilates/Barre Studio
Elizabeth Pezzello
EG Nutrition & Fitness Naples, FL • 239.784.2186
elizabeth@thehappy.health
theelizabethgorman.com
Elizabeth is a passionate and dedicated fitness coach and holistic nutritionist with years of experience in helping individuals transform their lives through wellness practices. Elizabeth's approach combines personalized fitness programs, mindful nutrition planning, and mental health support to create lasting change and balance in her clients' lives.
Bruce Wallace
Naples Fitness & Personal Training Naples, FL • 239.412.2544
Bruce@Naples-Fitness.com Naples-Fitness.com
Naples Fitness & Personal Training, LLC is a passion based business that enables me to work with individuals in becoming the best possible version of themselves through fitness and strength training, nutrition coaching and specific sport coaching.
Naples, FL
Pilates Firm Naples, FL
Love Yoga Center Naples, FL
Yoga Naples, FL Be Hot Naples, FL everyBODY Pilates and Yoga Bonita Springs, FL
Yoga Lab Naples, FL Naples Yoga Center Naples, FL
Skylight Yoga and Fitness Naples, FL Jen Wyatt Wander Free Naples, FL
Pilates Hive Naples, FL
Osteostrong
Berman Inc. focuses on treating problems, not symptoms. We are passionate functional medicine providers focused on treating the problem, not just the symptom. After a personal history of failed Western Medicine treatments and a less-thandesirable lifestyle, while living on many prescriptions each day, we did our own research and became passionate about a more holistic approach that actually produced results. Since healing our own guts and identifying problems physically, mentally, and emotionally, we developed Berman Inc. as a means of helping others avoid the frustrations of not getting answers from standard Western Medicine.
Berman Health and Wellness focuses on healing your gut to keep you off medications, while Berman Physical Therapy helps get you moving better to avoid surgery and pain pills. Berman Inc. is a full-body approach to understanding and �ixing the root cause of the symptoms—rather than merely treating the symptoms—while avoiding needless medications and surgeries.
Berman Inc. encompasses the internal aspects of gut health, metabolism, and hormones while also focusing on the external and physical factors of how the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are activating. Berman Physical Therapy focuses on physical health and activation of muscles to protect joints, tendons, and ligaments with full body evaluation. Berman Health and Wellness focuses on gut health, hormone balance, and metabolism from a personal and internal evaluation. This full-body approach is vital for the holistic healing of the gut, mind, physical, and emotional components of health.
When you work with Berman Inc., you will be part of a family that will not give up on you or your successes. Because we treat problems rather than symptoms, Berman Inc. is your personalized endeavor with the most valuable follow-up, guidance, and support. Some of our best memories are the ones when clients have asked, “Why have I never been told this before?” “Why did I wait so long to make this commitment for such positive change?” And when the clients say, “You saved my life. I made it through that diagnosis because of you,” they actually mean it sincerely. This is why our goal at Berman Inc. is to always help just one more person avoid the frustrations of not having answers and not being listened to, to always help just one more person avoid needless medications, pain pills, and surgeries, and to always help just one more person �ind the answers they didn’t know they needed.
Dr. Steve Case, MD
Body
Restore of Naples
At Body Restore of Naples, we are dedicated to helping patients suffering from arthritis-related joint pain and sports-related injury. We utilize stateof-the-art platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies to maximize your body’s own repair and regenerative processes. In addition, we offer peptideassisted weight loss and testosterone replacement therapy to optimize mobility and maximize muscle mass. Our goal is for our patients to keep their God-given parts and delay or avoid major orthopedic surgery. We also offer IV/IM vitamin infusion, peptide therapy, and PRP hair loss therapy to optimize health and well-being.
I am a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over twenty years of experience with sports medicine and joint replacement surgeries. I am the only orthopedic surgeon in South Florida with a practice solely focused on avoiding surgery utilizing these cell-based therapies. I have always been a conservative surgeon, offering patients their surgical options and conservative treatments. I also know when conservative measures are a waste of time and may ultimately lead to a worse surgical outcome due to prolonged delay. Every patient is fully evaluated to ensure they are good candidates for treatments and no bridges are burned.
We offer the best platelet-rich plasma processing system available on the market today, capturing greater than eighty percent of your circulating regenerative platelets and delivering more than three billion total platelets to our patients’ areas of injury. Our scientifically backed procedures can provide significant pain relief and improved joint mobility and function to eighty percent of well-selected patients with twelve months of relief. Our adipose stem cell treatment has shown clinical improvement in arthritic joints for up to two years.
As a surgeon, I am always very satisfied to see my patients return to or exceed their prior level of activity. I am very excited to offer an office-based treatment achieving similar results for those patients not ready for a major orthopedic operation with the associated risks. Your body has amazing healing and regenerative capabilities, and we are excited here at Body Restore of Naples to optimize and supercharge them.
Dr. Steve Case, MD • Body Restore of Naples • 239.241.2869 bodyrestorenaples@gmail.com • bodyresorenaples.com
Elizabeth Pezzello EG Nutrition & Fitness
As a personal trainer and nutrition coach, I am passionate about creating sustainable change in my clients lives, providing both in-person and virtual coaching plans for my clients.
I have always been interested in food and healthy eating, especially learning how to make my favorite meals, like pizza, pasta, and desserts, into more nutritious options. An athlete my entire life, I enjoy swimming, martial arts, and running, and I competed in my first body building competition in 2024. This was a pivotal time in my life as I saw how much the human body can adapt to change. I truly love bringing my own experiences into my work, motivating my clients to enjoy the process and bringing them my best every single day.
I started working with a client this year who was somewhat skeptical about working with a personal trainer because of some bad experiences they had in the past. After a couple of weeks of working together, they told me how much they trusted me and it truly meant the world to me. Earning my clients’ trust is extremely important to me, and I continue to expand my education to ensure I am continuously able to deliver the best information to them.
I hope to expand my online presence to work with people all over the country. I also plan to make a series about how to eat out in a mindful manner, and how to stay on your fitness plan while traveling.
My favorite place to travel is Sun Valley, Idaho, especially in the summertime. My goal is to become a professional body builder in the next couple of years!
Dave and Swati Patel and Nick and PJ Thakkar, owners of The DRIPBaR Naples, are the perfect team to provide health and wellness options, uniquely qualified to ensure the highest safety standards for their guests.
A retired pharmacist who owned a PCABaccredited compounding pharmacy with a USP 797-compliant lab, Dave brings his expertise in compounding to The DRIPBaR Naples. PJ is also a pharmacist with over twenty years of experience in compounding. Her holistic background offers the perfect mix of traditional and holistic remedies. Nick’s role is more businessfocused, with experience running multiple companies and eeing the need for this unique community wellness opportunity in Naples.
The people at The DRIPBaR take health and wellness very seriously because they know that quality care demands adherence to the highest safety standards. They follow strict safety protocols, with a medical director overseeing the compounds to ensure their efficacy and safety. Their high safety standards ensure peace of mind that all treatments and facilities are free of microbial contaminants in a USP 797-guidelined laboratory with Registered Nurses preparing the drips in a sterile mixing hood.
At the DRIPBaR, your infusions are mixed fresh right in front of you, so you know exactly what is going into your drip. Their drips also have a more robust vitamin content than those offered by other facilities. All these factors significantly impact IV therapy care.
The DRIPBaR is focused on helping people obtain their best health using advances in IV therapies. Their health drips and lifestyle drips can increase energy, fight the signs of aging, help you recover when you’re not feeling your best, and more. They have taken their drips and IM quick shots and created carefully curated programs to help you reach your goals. Their IV drips are powerful on their own, and when paired with other drips and supplements, they can provide even greater benefits. Specific wellness desires can be even more targeted—whether it’s weight loss (medical and natural), cancer support (with high-dose vitamin C and ozone therapy), anti-aging, or brain health (NAD+ and ALA), the DRIPBaR can help.
In addition to IV therapy, the DRIPBaR offers services such as IR sauna, halo therapy, red/blue light therapy, and leg compressions. While their centers are at the highest levels of sterility, they are anything but cold. Guests of the DRIPBaR enjoy a comfortable, relaxing, warm space for their IV therapy. The DRIPBaR team will be happy to discuss their programs and help you decide which of their services is best for your needs. We look forward to helping you reach your health goals.
Dave &
Swati Patel and Nick & PJ Thakkar
The DRIPBaR Naples 11216 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL
239.422.6044
NaplesFL240@thedripbar.com thedripbar.com/Naples
Dr. Carol L Roberts, MD
Ihave been practicing medicine in Florida since 1978. In the early 1990s, I transitioned from a board-certified ear, nose, and throat surgeon and emergency medicine doctor to a holistic/integrativefunctional doctor. Since then, I have offered a unique approach to chronic illness by finding the root cause(s) and correcting them.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, longevity medicine, and alternative/complementary cancer treatments are my special strengths. I especially enjoy giving a second opinion when conventional medicine offers no options.
My extensive experience in conventional medicine, as well as decades of experience with a more supportive medical model, allow me to offer a wide variety of therapies to patients who may think there is no hope for them. This is rarely the case, as the body has its own wisdom that a knowledgeable doctor can tap into. New therapies for even advanced cancers have brought new interest in treating people who had previously felt little hope. Of course, prevention is preferable, and that is a huge emphasis in my practice.
Aging itself can be smooth and slow, allowing us to maintain physical and mental health until the very end of life. As I like to say, “Age like a rotisserie chicken: slow, juicy, and hot!” Why not?!
Having practiced in Naples for thirteen years, I am now located in Sarasota and seeing many of my former Naples patients there. Appointments can be made by calling 941.404.8030.
Dr. Carol L Roberts, MD • Best Medicine Sarasota, FL • 941.404.8030 bestmedicinefl@gmail.com • bestmedicine.us
Boost Your Business, Your Brain Health, and Your Mental Well-Being
By Deirdre Tindall, Founder, Tind-All Creative Marketing
As a business owner, the weight of responsibility can often become overwhelming. Battling stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns can be a byproduct of the constant pressures associated with running a business. However, having a solid marketing strategy doesn’t just benefit your business—it can also have a profound impact on your brain health.
It’s no secret that stress can take a toll on our mental faculties. This is where a well-executed marketing strategy can come to the rescue. By effectively promoting your business and attracting new customers, you can reduce financial stress, which is one of the leading causes of anxiety and mental strain for business owners. A steady flow of customers through an effective marketing plan can provide a sense of stability and security, alleviating the mental strain associated with uncertain income.
Boost Your Reputation
A strong marketing strategy can enhance your business reputation, leading to increased customer loyalty and a more predictable revenue stream. This predictability can offer peace of mind, reducing the stress and anxiety that often accompany the volatility of the business world. Implementing a marketing strategy can also lead to a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction. Seeing your business grow and succeed due to your marketing efforts can boost your confidence and provide a sense of achievement. This sense of accomplishment can have a positive impact on mental health, helping to combat feelings of self-doubt and apprehension that often plague business owners.
Seize New Opportunities
A successful marketing strategy can create new opportunities for networking and collaboration,
providing a supportive community of like-minded individuals and potential partners. This sense of connection and support is invaluable for mental well-being, offering an outlet for sharing experiences and gaining advice from others who understand the unique challenges of entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, a well-structured marketing plan can streamline business operations, contributing to increased efficiency and productivity. By minimizing inefficiencies and maximizing the impact of your efforts, you can reduce the cognitive load associated with running a business, freeing up mental space and energy for strategic decisionmaking and creative problem-solving.
Strong Marketing Can Help Lead to Strong Mental Health
The impact of a strong marketing strategy extends beyond business success. By reducing financial stress, enhancing business stability, boosting confidence and a sense of purpose, and fostering a supportive network, a robust marketing strategy can play a key role in maintaining and improving brain health for business owners. Embracing the power of a well-crafted marketing plan can contribute not only to the success of your business but also to your mental resilience and well-being in the long run.
So, who’s ready to begin feeling less stressed in their business in 2025? Embracing a strong marketing strategy isn’t just about boosting your business—it’s about nurturing your mental well-being. By leveraging the power of effective marketing, you can pave the way for a healthier and more resilient mindset, positioning yourself for success in the coming year. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and peace of mind for business owners everywhere!
“Seeing your business grow and succeed due to your marketing efforts can boost your confidence and provide a sense of achievement. This sense of accomplishment can have a positive impact on mental health, helping to combat feelings of self-doubt and apprehension that often plague business owners.”
—Deirdre
Tindall, Founder, Tind-All Creative Marketing
Deirdre Tindall is the founder of Connecticut-based Tind-All Creative Marketing, a woman-owned digital marketing agency focusing on using business as a platform to make a difference in the local community. With creativity, strategic thinking, and a genuine desire to help businesses thrive, Tind-All Creative Marketing delivers personalized and effective marketing solutions. When you choose to work with us, a portion of your dollars always goes right back to local charities. Visit tind-allcreativemarketing.com, email deirdre@tind-allcreativemarketing.com, or call 860.916.4561 to learn more.
working as they should, guess what takes the brunt of the work. Your knees and lower back. As your glutes weaken, they can’t effectively stabilize your joints, leading to more stress on your knees and back—and, ultimately, pain.
So, here’s the point I want to make: if you’ve been told you need back or knee surgery, it’s time to challenge that assumption. If you’re still reading, I hope you’ll at least entertain the idea that boneon-bone and bulging discs aren’t the root causes of your pain. Want further proof? Ask anyone still in pain who’s had surgery to “fix” a bulging disc or replace a knee joint. They’ll probably be more than happy to share their frustrations.
You Do Have Nonsurgical Options!
If you want a better solution, start by seeking out a qualified professional who specializes in helping people avoid surgery. They should assess whether your glutes are firing properly to support your knees and back. And here’s an important tip: If a provider insists on reviewing your X-ray or MRI before ever touching you, RUN—or limp— out of there as fast as you can! You should never have a preconceived idea of what you’re looking for before you start assessing the human body for efficiency.
Once you find the right person to guide you, give it at least six weeks of dedicated effort. Strengthen your glutes and learn to use them to move correctly. That’s right—don’t expect instant results. In today’s world of instant gratification, it’s easy to expect quick fixes. But if your knee or back has been hurting for six months, don’t expect the pain to go away in six days.
And if you’re still on the fence about surgery, I’ll leave you with this: Read the last sentence of the fourth paragraph again. It’s a pretty important point. For even more insight on this topic, check out The Berman Method podcast. You’ll get more detailed information on why surgery isn’t always the best answer!
Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and the owner of Berman Physical Therapy, where they focus on treating the actual problem causing your symptoms (pain) to help you avoid taking pain pills and dangerous surgeries. So, if you’re tired of feeling “old” and you are looking for another way to keep active and mobile, call Dr. Berman at 239.431.0232 to take advantage of a FREE 30-minute taster session! See ad on page 33 & 41 >
Unlock Your Muscles and Play Better Golf: A Case for Robotic Therapy
“I have suffered from pain in my back for years, along with sciatic nerve pain. I wanted to continue to play, but the pain was getting so unbearable. I thought my age was getting the best of me and golf would be coming to an end.
Another golfer recommended that I try Naples Robotic Pain Relief. Today is the fourth week of therapy, and I’m pain-free. Actually, I felt relief the evening of my first session.”
—K. Wasserman
By Theresa Edmunds, CHC
Golfers are always looking for an edge, a way to improve their game. The golf industry is geared toward technology. In 2023, it was estimated that the golf equipment market had revenues of 2.67 billion dollars. But what if the answer to playing better and feeling better lies within you? Do you remember when you hit farther or could play 36 in a day? As we age, we lose flexibility and mobility. But there is still hope and answers to playing better and playing longer, regardless of age.
Let’s unlock your potential in a different way. Have you ever thought about what is required in the golf swing from the body? Where does the power come from? How can you increase swing speed? How can you feel better after a round of golf or, most importantly, feel good enough to even want to play a round of golf? Let’s break it down in terms everyone can understand.
Your body is a series or system of muscle groups. When your body is firing on all cylinders, they work as a group to assist you in many tasks, including your golf game. (You can substitute pickleball, tennis, and everyday activities for the activity of golf.) But when your body has muscle imbalance, nothing works together. In fact, it is just the opposite.
Golf is a rotational sport. Flexibility and mobility are critical to allowing this rotation to occur.
Producing the Power
Two large muscles integral to golf are the pectoral and psoas muscles. The pectoral muscles’ main function in the golf swing is to provide range of
motion to the arms and raise and lower the shoulders. These muscles also provide the downward force behind the downswing.
The psoas (pronounced so-as) muscle is the only muscle that connects the upper torso to the lower legs. This muscle, along with the hip flexors, is the ignition that starts your golf swing. They work in conjunction with your obliques, glutes, hamstrings, and quadricep muscles to create the rotation and strength required to consistently hit the ball farther.
The psoas muscles are located on either side of the body, attaching to the lowest part of the spine (to the last five vertebrae), running through the pelvic area, and attaching to the femur bone. The psoas is unique in that it is the only muscle that attaches the spine to the lower body, making it one of our most important muscles. This deep-seated core muscle is responsible for many functions—we use our psoas muscle for core movement, but also for standing, walking, and running, and it is vital for balance. The psoas muscle is crucial in our body’s range of motion. When the psoas becomes shortened, it creates discomfort in the low back and tightens in the hips.
A shortened psoas will also throw off your posture. Muscles in their natural state are long and pliable, able to move freely and allow us range of motion. Muscles that are shortened lose flexibility and create pressure on the body. As large muscles like the psoas contract, they are difficult to lengthen again. Creating sustained pressure is the best way for large muscles to soften and relax and return to their lengthened state.
The answer to faster swing speeds and more power is stronger muscles and greater flexibility. So, half of the secret to hitting it farther is strength, but the other half is greater flexibility and mobility. In many cases, tightly contracted muscles are holding you back from playing your best golf or playing golf at all. Muscle contraction is the source of the pain and restriction you feel during and after your golf game, as well as other activities.
Robotic Muscle Therapy—Improve Your Pain and Your Golf Game!
What if the answer lies in releasing tightly contracted muscles and lengthening the muscle fibers? What if releasing tightly contracted large muscles relieves the pressure and tension your joints are under, eliminates joint dysfunction, and allows for greater mobility and flexibility? What if your pain could be eliminated or significantly reduced? What would your game be like—and what would your life be like—without the pain?
Robotic muscle therapy was developed to do just that. This technology targets the source of your pain like nothing else can. Using precise placements, pressure, vibration, and heat, this FDA-approved Class 2 technology delivers deep muscle therapy directly to the affected muscles.
Robotic technology is drug-free, noninvasive, and passive therapy. The secret to the success behind this technology is that, unlike the human hand, robotic therapy allows for precise pressure control, greater time in the muscle, rhythmic sequencing of pressure, vibration, and heat applied directly to the muscle and the ability to access the muscle groups in a way that is comfortable for the person having the therapy.
If you find yourself unhappy with your game, in pain, experiencing lost mobility and flexibility, or just wanting to feel better, robotic muscle therapy could be the game-changer you have been searching for. Schedule your appointment today and start living “Pain-Free in Paradise”!
We offer a complimentary consultation so clients can learn more about this revolutionary technology. We learn about your condition, and you discover whether this therapy can help you. You truly have nothing to lose— except your pain. Theresa Edmunds is a Certified Health Coach and co-owner of Naples Robotic Pain Relief. She is passionate about helping people feel better. To schedule a no-cost consultation or for more information, contact 239.778.6842 or visit naplesroboticpainrelief.com.
See ad on page 35 >
Functional Medicine: Finally Getting to the Root Cause of Your Health Issues
By Denise A. Pancyrz, CHN, DSSTM
How long have you been dealing with nagging health issues that never seem to go away, no matter how many medications you try or how many doctors you visit? Maybe you’ve been struggling with high blood sugar, digestive problems, joint pain, or the endless cycle of yo-yo dieting. Perhaps you’re constantly feeling run down and wondering why your immune system isn’t working the way it should.
How Long Have You Been Suffering Without Real Answers?
Were you told that managing your symptoms with pills is the best you can hope for? Millions of people face this same frustration—feeling like they’re just putting a band-aid on their health problems.
This is where functional medicine offers a different path. Instead of simply treating symptoms, functional medicine digs deeper to find and address the root cause of your health issues. It’s about helping your body heal naturally and restoring balance so you can feel better for good—not just temporarily.
Why Conventional Medicine Falls Short
Conventional medicine is excellent at treating acute issues—like infections, injuries, or emergencies—but it often struggles with chronic conditions.
Here are the problems:
•Medications can reduce symptoms but rarely fix the underlying problem.
• You’re often told that chronic diseases are “lifelong” and that managing them with medication is your only option.
• Conventional lab tests have broad reference ranges that can mask underlying problems. Functional medicine looks beyond the symptoms and asks why they are happening in the first place. It focuses on how different systems in your body are working together (or not) and how lifestyle factors—like nutrition, sleep, stress, and gut health— are influencing your overall health.
Functional Medicine: A Personalized Approach
Functional medicine takes a completely different approach to health. Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, it looks at your body as an interconnected system. If you have joint pain, for example, a functional medicine practitioner will explore whether inflammation from poor gut health, food sensitivities, or nutrient imbalances might be contributing to the problem.
Unlike conventional medicine, functional medicine testing looks at a wider range of results—and that makes a big difference:
• Conventional lab tests have wide reference ranges based on the average population. If you’re just within range, you might be told you’re “fine”—even though you feel awful.
•Functional medicine testing looks at optimal ranges. If you’re at the low or high end of the range, functional medicine sees that as a clue that something is out of balance.
Functional medicine also tests for things conventional medicine rarely checks:
• Micronutrient levels (vitamins and minerals)
• Inflammatory markers
• Gut health and beneficial bacteria
• Hormone imbalances
• Toxins and heavy metals
This deeper level of testing allows functional medicine to uncover hidden imbalances that could make you feel unwell—even if you were told your lab results are “normal.”
Our Hair Analysis Is a Game-Changer
At CuraVida Wellness Solutions, we go even deeper by including a comprehensive hair analysis in every wellness program. This powerful tool reflects long-term trends in your health, not just a snapshot of what’s happening in your body today.
Hair analysis helps us measure:
•Mineral imbalances that affect metabolism, energy, and mood
• Heavy metal exposure (like mercury, aluminum, and lead)
• Thyroid function and adrenal health
• Stress levels and how your body is responding
• Digestive issues, including bacteria imbalances and nutrient absorption problems
Why hair analysis? Because your hair stores metabolic information that blood tests can’t always capture. Blood tests can fluctuate depending on diet, stress, or hydration—but hair analysis gives a more stable, long-term picture of what’s happening in your body.
A personalized plan is created to help you correct these imbalances through targeted nutrition, supplements, lifestyle changes, and natural therapies. Rather than managing symptoms, we work to help your body heal from within.
Real Results of Functional Medicine
Functional medicine works because it’s personalized. Everyone is different, so the same solution won’t work for everyone. For example:
•A client with type 2 diabetes lowered their A1c from 7.8 to 5.4 naturally— without relying on medication.
• A woman with digestive issues and joint pain saw relief after addressing food sensitivities and correcting nutrient deficiencies.
• A man with chronic fatigue discovered that heavy metal exposure and poor adrenal health were driving his symptoms—and saw dramatic improvement after detoxification and adrenal support.
Boosting Immunity and Breaking the Cycle
If you’re constantly getting sick, feeling tired, or stuck in a cycle of yo-yo dieting and weight gain, functional medicine can help you reset your body. By improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and correcting nutrient deficiencies, we help your body function better from the inside out. You’ll notice:
• Fewer cravings
•Better digestion
•More energy
•Stronger immune response
•Better weight balance
Functional medicine isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about restoring balance so you can feel energized and healthy long-term.
The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Live with Chronic Health Issues
If you’ve been told that medication is your only option—or that your symptoms are “just part of getting older”—it’s time to explore a different approach.
Functional medicine isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about helping your body heal so you can experience long-term health and vitality. Book a consultation today at MyCuraVida.com
Denise A. Pancyrz is a Diabetes Reversal and Holistic Lifestyle Coach, speaker, and best-selling author of The Virgin Diabetic, Reverse the Effects of Type 2 Diabetes, Reduce Medication, and Improve Your Glucose Levels, available on Amazon. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Denise was prescribed four daily insulin shots along with oral medication for diabetes and heart disease. This protocol helped to bring her glucose levels down; however, she did not feel as healthy and vibrant as expected. After changing her protocol by learning to rest and preserve her pancreas, she was able to eliminate all medication and insulin, regaining her energy. Contact Denise by calling 877.287.2843.
CuraVida Wellness Solutions | Virtual Wellness Center: Visit MyCuraVida.com to book a Discovery Call. To set up a speaking event, call 1.877.CuraVida or email Info@MyCuraVida.com.
See ad on page 27 >
“Why hair analysis? Because your hair stores metabolic information that blood tests can’t always capture. Blood tests can fluctuate depending on diet, stress, or hydration—but hair analysis gives a more stable, long-term picture of what’s happening in your body.”
—Denise A. Pancyrz
Discover the Hidden Key to Longevity and Cognitive Vitality with GlycoCheck
By Lisa H Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT
A“Your microvascular system, lined with a delicate structure called the glycocalyx, is the true foundation of your overall health.”
—Lisa H Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT
re you ready to unlock the secret to vibrant health and longevity? Introducing GlycoCheck—the revolutionary technology that’s changing the game in antiaging and cognitive health.
As we age, our concerns naturally turn to maintaining our mental sharpness and overall vitality. But what if we told you that the key to preserving your cognitive function and youthful energy lies in a part of your body that most doctors aren’t even looking at?
Imagine having a window into the 99% of your vascular system that traditional tests can’t see. That’s exactly what GlycoCheck offers. This groundbreaking, noninvasive scan provides an unprecedented view of your microvascular health—the intricate network of tiny blood vessels that nourish every cell in your body, including your brain.
Why GlycoCheck Matters to You
You’ve made smart decisions about your health, watching your diet, staying active, and keeping up with regular check-ups. But even with the best care, a crucial aspect of your health has remained invisible—until now.
Your microvascular system, lined with a delicate structure called the glycocalyx, is the
true foundation of your overall health. When it’s compromised, it can lead to:
• accelerated cognitive decline
• decreased energy and vitality
• increased risk of age-related diseases
• slower recovery and healing
GlycoCheck allows us to assess the health of this critical system, giving you insights that no other test can provide. It’s like having a crystal ball into your future health.
The Advantage
GlycoCheck is not just another health test—it’s your passport to proactive, cutting-edge health management. By understanding the state of your microvascular system, you and your healthcare provider can make more informed decisions about your health strategy, potentially adding years of quality life.
Peace of Mind in Minutes
The GlycoCheck scan is quick, painless, and incredibly informative. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a comprehensive view of how the other 99% of your vascular system is functioning. This knowledge is power—the power to take control of your health destiny.
5 Reasons to Get Your Score Today
1. Establish a baseline: Know the truth about your vascular health.
2. Know your risks: Ninety percent accurate in predicting future health events.
3. Proactively lower your risk for:
•diabetes
•heart attack
•hypertension/stroke
•kidney disease
•dementia
• inflammatory disorders
•cancer metastasis
•compromised immunity
4. Start improving your microvascular health today: Yes, it’s possible!
5. Gain peace of mind with data from a validated medical device backed by over one hundred twenty peer-reviewed research papers.
Your Next Step to Optimal Health
Isn’t it time you had a complete picture of your health? Be at the forefront of health technology and take a proactive step toward a longer, more vibrant life. Schedule your GlycoCheck scan today and take charge of your cognitive health and aging process. Remember, what you can’t see can hurt you— but with GlycoCheck, you’ll have the insights you need to thrive.
I hope you will take the first step toward a healthier, more vibrant future. Your mind, body, and loved ones will thank you for years to come. Invest in your health today for a brighter tomorrow. GlycoCheck—because your golden years should truly shine!
Lisa H Sprague, MSS, PTA, LMT, is the co-owner of Good News Doctor Naples with Dr Mark DeBrincat, the Good News Doctor! Lisa has over thirty-five years of experience as a licensed healthcare practitioner and has been in private practice since 1999. Good News Doctor Naples offers you powerful new approaches to optimize your health and well-being at the cellular level, frequency therapy, cognitive testing, advanced technologies and products, and more…. Together, we combine expertise in energy medicine, brain health, pain therapy, and advanced technology to offer a truly comprehensive approach to Wellness. Experience life-enhancing services starting at the cellular level to treat the whole to heal the part, improve quality of life, and empower you toput self-care back into your healthcare! Visit me at 5621 Strand Blvd Suite 301 in Naples, 239.821.1223, or go to goodnewsdoctor.com. See ad on page 29 >
Flotation
who are healthy, twice monthly has been proven to be instrumental. For those who already have health conditions, floating on a regular schedule has proven to provide fewer side effects from their condition, providing them with a richer life. With the plethora of studies performed and information available indicating remarkable results, research is directing people to flotation for its preventative health benefits. Research has also shown that migraine attacks may be associated with low magnesium. One study found that regular floating reduces the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks by just over 41%. With regular floating, sufferers can reduce or mostly eliminate migraine attacks.
Floating is a powerful therapeutic tool that offers countless health benefits, including helping manage anxiety, improve symptoms of depression, relax muscles, improve blood flow, increase pain relief, manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and support a healthy sleep pattern. Floating has been proven in many cases to reduce chronic stress as well.
Stress is one of the most debilitating mental health disorders people struggle with, and those with an autoimmune disease may experience added stress. Autoimmune disease is associated with a malfunction of the immune system, which causes the body to attack its own tissues. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or stress disorder, flotation therapy could be a beneficial practice to add into your wellness routine. Those who practice float therapy regularly often report a significant reduction of stress, a boost of energy, and an overall improved sense of well-being.
A one-hour float in a regulated float tank has been proven to provide an estimated 27% of necessary magnesium. Studies have also shown that the floating method of providing the body with magnesium is instrumental in controlling pain, depression, and many autoimmune diseases that cause the body to attack its own tissues, along with helping to lower blood pressure.
A healthier you is right around the corner.
Lynn Brewer is co-owner of Cloud9 Float Spa and Wellness Center, located at 13710 Metropolis Avenue, Suite 104, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Cloud9 Float Spa’s mission is to help increase clients’ health while providing them with a better quality of life. Make your reservation today by calling 239.887.4161 or visiting our website, C9floatspa.com. See ad on page 33 >
Afterwepinpoint YOUR specificproblem, weusethe RX2600Therapeutic ROBOT toadminister gentlepressure in intervals toa specificareaof a muscle.Taking tensionoff andrestoring balance, greatly increasing mobility and relieving pain.
By Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD
TWhat’s the Real Deal with Root Canals?
he term raises such apprehension and so many questions: What is a root canal? Is the tooth dead? Are root canals bad for you? Can they be avoided? What are my options?
A root canal, or endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure designed to save or preserve a badly infected, broken, or decayed tooth. The nerve, or pulp, of the tooth dies, so it is removed from the canal area and then filled with a rubber substance (gutta-percha). Then, the tooth is eventually covered with a crown to protect or “strengthen” the remaining tooth structure.
When the nerve of a tooth has irreversible damage, such as in an infection or a fracture, you essentially have two options to treat it: remove the tooth and replace it if desired, or have a root canal treatment.
Root canals have been in practice since the mid-1800s when dentists and patients wanted an alternative to having a tooth pulled. Needless to say, the techniques and materials used have evolved greatly. Today’s root canal specialists (endodontists) use microscopes, lasers, frequency treatments, and even ozone for disinfection.
Is the Tooth Dead?
Once a tooth receives a root canal, it is technically no longer alive—so the tooth, without the nerve, is retained in the jawbone so that esthetics and/or chewing functions are preserved. Most dentists are quite successful at cleaning out the dead tissue in the main canal area and disinfecting it. And even when there’s infection in the bone, most cases heal, and new bone will grow—the body is amazing!
The problem with a root canal treatment is a little more complicated, so let’s look at a little tooth anatomy first.
A tooth has three main parts:
• Enamel: The hardest substance of the tooth, it covers the crown.
• Dentin: Found under the enamel and covering the root, the dentin is the highway system of miles of small tubules filled with lymph-like fluid. Each tubule opens to the central nerve chamber of the tooth (pulp).
• Periodontal ligament (PDL): This ligament anchors the root of the tooth to its socket. Nutrients flow into the dentin and pulp/nerve, and the live tooth cleans/filters from inside.
Once the bacteria enter the tubules (dentin), it infects the tooth and, if left unattended, will reach the nerve and infect it as well. The medications used to clean out the main canal area are very effective, but not the microscopic tubule. Once the dentist seals the main canal, the fluid that fills those tubules can house bacteria for years. Antibiotics and our immune system are unable to flush them out. Why? Because the main flushing system has been filled with the gutta-percha.
Have you ever wondered why your teeth feel so nice and smooth when you brush them before bedtime, but then the next morning, there’s a film and no smooth feeling? Your teeth have a way of cleaning themselves when they are healthy. Surprised? We were, too! We did not learn this in dental school!
Now that bacteria in the small tubules adapt to living with no oxygen—anaerobic bacteria (AKA the bad guys) create endotoxins. These endotoxins will reach the bone (and the rest of the body), and here is when problems arise.
The truth is that some patients have very robust immune systems and will never notice a problem, while others have chronic conditions or their immune system is taxed, so symptoms become obvious.
Root Canals Aren’t Perfect
No, they’re not…but neither is modern medicine. Our patients are always given all the options. Each patient makes an informed decision on his own health. So why are biological dentists not fans of root canal treatments? Because dead things do not belong in the body. If another part of the body dies, we take it out. Gangrenous limb? Cut it off. Burst appendix? Take it out. Ruptured spleen? Out it comes. But for some reason, conventional dentistry has led us to believe it’s OK to taxidermy and leave a dead tooth in the body.
Our bodies are bioelectric! We conduct bioelectric energy. But when something dead is in the way, it blocks the bioelectric impulses. Plenty of patients are not emotionally prepared to lose a tooth, and we are firm believers in medical freedom of choice. Because of that, we believe everyone has the right to make their own choices... even if we ultimately do not love their decision.
You will NEVER hear, “You need a root canal.”
You WILL hear something along these lines: “Your tooth is infected/fractured; here is your X-ray and the 3-D image of it; here are your options for treatment A, B, or C.”
In my opinion, the odds are stacked against long-term success with a root canal, but patients make their own decisions.
Any good biological dentist will explain your options and design a treatment plan specific to your needs, desires, and recommendations for a holistic, biological, integrative, functional, and biomimetic approach.
The new frontier in regenerative dentistry includes regenerating pulpal (nerve) cells, TMD (temporomandibular disorders), and even ONJ (osteonecrosis of the jaws). Although there are no systemic reviews on the use of PRF in these cases, there are many case reports and studies showing promising outcomes.
At Pure Dental Naples, we have had success avoiding root canals in certain teeth. While we obviously cannot bring back to life a tooth (nerve) that is dead, there is a sensitive protocol that needs to be followed, and the outcomes have been excellent.
If you already have a root-canaled tooth, make sure you have a CBCT or 3D cone beam to evaluate any changes in the bone around the root-canaled tooth. Just because it “doesn’t hurt” does not mean it’s fine. I always advocate for being proactive rather than reactive.
“Why are biological dentists not fans of root canal treatments? Because dead things do not belong in the body. If another part of the body dies, we take it out. Gangrenous limb? Cut it off. Burst appendix? Take it out. Ruptured spleen? Out it comes. But for some reason, conventional dentistry has led us to believe it’s OK to taxidermy and leave a dead tooth in the body.”
—Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD, has been practicing dentistry for nearly thirty years. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston and interned at New Orleans Coast Guard/Navy Base. Her holistic approach to dentistry encompasses each person’s unique and entire (or whole—holistic) state of physical and emotional well-being. The ability to maintain health through preventive measures and treatments of oral disease is her priority. Dr. Perez focuses on the underlying condition rather than only treating the symptoms. She tests for biocompatibility to find pathways to reduce inflammation and apply biocompatible and biomimetic materials, supplements, and essential oils to restore and strengthen the oral cavity and, ultimately, the whole body. After decades of restoring and transforming smiles, Dr. Perez has integrated total wellness into her oral health enhancement practice—a revolutionary style of dentistry. Visit Pure Dental in Naples at 4444 Tamiami Trail N, Ste. 6–7, call 239.692.9623 or go to www.puredentalnaples.com. See ad on page 35 >
Is Your Meal Plan Causing Your Symptoms?
By Jenni Berman, PA-C, ABAAHP
Take a moment to consider these questions:
“The problem with cortisol is this: When individuals have chronic stress, such as a highstress job, the cortisol hormone is released chronically, which can cause the body to hold onto adipose tissue (fat tissue) and redistribute this to the abdominal area, leading to belly fat.”
—Jenni Berman, PA-C, ABAAHP
•Are you tired and/or stressed 3+ days per week?
• Are you frustrated by abdominal fat?
•Are you tired of taking so many prescriptions each day?
•Are you tired of going to the doctor and not getting answers…and getting more pills instead?
• Are you struggling with good sleep?
• Are you crashing around 2–3 p.m. in the afternoon?
•Are you frustrated with feeling that your patience is just GONE?
• Have you been told your blood sugar level is borderline or increasing?
Let Me Tell YOU…
Feeling tired throughout the day, having less energy than you used to, and getting the “muffin-top” or the “apple belly” is not part of the normal aging process. Waking up at night, having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and having less patience is not part of the normal aging process. Feeling more stressed, anxious, and frustrated is not part of the normal aging process. Having more joint pain and worrying about finding a restroom every place you go is not part of the normal aging process.
And you should not be increasing the number of medications and pills you take just to treat these symptoms. We need to identify the cause of these symptoms you are feeling and treat this to see success. Clients tell me every day, “I wish I would have known about this ten years ago, so I did not have to
live lost in frustration so long before starting this process of seeing results.”
Let’s dive in and unpack this idea a little more thoroughly. If you are struggling with the symptoms mentioned above, you should start by looking further into three main areas.
•blood sugar stability
•cortisol hormone
• gut health � vitamin levels
Once these areas have been analyzed, it is time to dig deeper until you find the root cause.
Blood Sugar Stability
Blood sugar is the marker on the blood test that doctors often use to tell if you’re becoming prediabetic or diabetic. Blood sugar stability, meaning how stable your blood sugar is throughout the day and night, is vital to your metabolism, mood, sleep, stress control, energy, strength, and ultimately how efficiently your body is functioning. The one blood test that looks at your glucose level is not enough to determine your blood sugar stability. Other blood tests, such as hemoglobin A1c, serum insulin, triglyceride level, and HDL (good cholesterol) level, can help to determine your risk factors for a metabolic dysfunction called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs before prediabetes.
Cortisol Hormone
Cortisol is a stress hormone released from the adrenal glands. The release of cortisol is important in acute stress situations, such as running away from an alligator chasing you. It is the “fight or flight” hormone. The problem with cortisol
is this: When individuals have chronic stress, such as a high-stress job, the cortisol hormone is released chronically, which can cause the body to hold onto adipose tissue (fat tissue) and redistribute this to the abdominal area, leading to belly fat.
Another issue with chronic cortisol release is that the more cortisol released, the higher the blood sugar level. Sleep is its own world when it comes to our body’s efficiency, but it is largely impacted by our blood sugar instability and cortisol levels. We have to correct these two issues before we can address the problem of poor sleep.
Gut Health Vitamin Levels
A leaky gut means your intestinal lining is not healthy, is broken down, and is allowing food particles, bacteria, and toxins to leave the intestinal tract (gut) and penetrate the tissues and bloodstream. The problem with toxins getting into your tissues and bloodstream is the reaction it elicits from the immune system. In addition, when the gut lining is unhealthy, vitamins and minerals from our food and supplements are not well absorbed due to the damage to the intestinal structures. This results in a cascade of problems, as well as circling back to blood sugar instability and poor cortisol control.
The good news is that blood sugar instability, chronically high cortisol levels, and leaky gut syndrome are all treatable and reversible with the right foods for your body, the right balance of your macronutrients, and the right gut healing techniques. Working with a professional can change your life. Berman Health and Wellness is a functional medicine practice in Naples, FL, and the best option to help you reach your goal weight and improve your gut health while avoiding needless medications. Reach out to Berman Health and Wellness to learn more about treating problems and not just symptoms. Even if you are not local full-time, the practice can work with you virtually! Dive deeper into your gut health, metabolism, and hormone imbalances to achieve the highest quality of life you can imagine.
Berman Health and Wellness is a Functional Medicine Center that helps individuals reach their goal weight and optimize their gut health while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Focusing on and optimizing gut health is vital to protecting our brain, metabolism, hormones, and longevity. Call 239.431.0232 or visit bermanpt.com/wellness to learn more.
The Truth About Losing Distance as a Senior Golfer
By Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT
A“When
a senior golfer loses distance off the tee, the first instinct is to swing harder to get it back. But swinging harder often leads to a tighter, stiffer swing—exactly what you don’t want in golf. The harder you try, the worse the results.”
—Dr.
Jake Berman, PT, DPT
ny golfer over 60 knows that movement isn’t as fluid as it used to be. Aching joints and tight muscles limit flexibility and range of motion—especially in the golf swing. One of the biggest complaints? Loss of shoulder turn during the backswing. “I just can’t get my back to the target anymore.”
Most senior golfers assume that losing shoulder turn is the primary reason they’re losing distance, and if they could only get their “back to the target,” they’d be able to gain more club head speed and distance. But that’s simply not true. There’s a lot more to it.
The Downward Spiral of Senior Golfers
When a senior golfer loses distance off the tee, the first instinct is to swing harder to get it back. But swinging harder often leads to a tighter, stiffer swing—exactly what you don’t want in golf. The harder you try, the worse the results. Every golfer who’s played for at least a year should know this. Smooth and steady beats tight and fast every time. That’s why I always recommend watching the LPGA and not the PGA. The ladies are smooth and eloquent, while the guys are fast and ballistic.
When swinging harder doesn’t work, the next attempt at regaining distance is increasing the backswing range of motion by closing the stance and/or flaring their trail foot. This allows for a bigger turn—but at a cost. What golfers don’t realize is that these are compensations—and every compensation creates another one to counteract it.
The Over-the-Top Nightmare
By closing your stance, you make it much easier to take the club back inside rather than straight away from the target. Given that flexibility declines with age, how do you expect to drop the club even further inside on the downswing for an inside-out club path? The answer: You won’t. Instead, ninety-nine percent of the time, this leads to an over-the-top move, early extension, and inconsistent ball striking. The result? A screaming duck hook to the left or the dreaded banana slice to the right AND even more distance lost!
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I specialize in biomechanics—not golf technique. Trust me when I say that closing your stance almost guarantees an over-the-top swing, no matter what the TV golf gurus say. They might be seniors themselves, but their technique is light-years ahead of the average golfer struggling to break 90. What works for them won’t necessarily work for you. Fun fact: Did you know that most amateur golfers cannot truly break 100 without the use of mulligans and/or the trusty “foot wedge”?
The Best Swing for Senior Golfers: G.A.S.
So, what’s the best approach for senior golfers? It all starts with G.A.S. (Grip, Alignment, Stance): • Grip: When was the last time you had a grip assessment? A poor grip can ruin everything before you even take the club back. Grip is a super easy, low-hanging fruit and should be assessed at least on a yearly basis.
• Alignment: Have someone drop alignment sticks on the ground to check where your feet, hips, and shoulders are pointing. If they aren’t aligned properly, your brain gets mixed signals on how to execute the shot. You may think you’re athletic enough to pull off the shot with your feet closed, your hips square, and your shoulders open, but the reality is you’re not.
• Stance: Most senior golfers slouch toward the ball instead of maintaining good spine posture and hinging at the hips. This small change can make a world of difference in the ease of your “true” shoulder turn.
Once you dial in these fundamentals, focus on your backswing:
• Take the club straight back from the target (not inside).
• Keep your lead elbow completely straight.
• Stop your backswing as soon as you can no longer keep that elbow straight.
Most senior golfers will find this stopping point is at least twenty-five percent shorter than their usual backswing. But by following these steps, you’ll instantly see more consistency and better ball striking. And the best part? More consistency leads to more distance!
Want to See These Fixes in Action?
Check out Berman Golf on YouTube for simple, clear video demonstrations of everything discussed in this article. The Berman Method was developed specifically for aging golfers struggling with losing distance, shooting inconsistently, or simply not able to play as frequently as they’d like due to nagging aches and pains. The Berman Method focuses entirely on training you to recruit and activate your big power muscles (glutes and core) and keep them firing through the entirety of the golf swing. It also focuses on training aging golfers to improve their turn using the correct body parts (hips and upper back) to help increase shoulder turn in the backswing and clear your hips in the downswing. Implement these changes, and your golf game will thank you! Move better. Gain distance. Improve consistency. Play more frequently.
Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and owner of Berman Golf, where they focus on helping aging golfers increase distance off the tee, shoot more consistently, and play more frequently. If you’re not ready to accept “getting old” as an excuse for a poor golf game, call Dr. Berman at 239.431.0232 to take advantage of a FREE 30-minute taster session!
See ad on page 33 & 41 >
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to form new nerve pathways. Activities like jigsaw or crossword puzzles, sudoku, learning a new language, or a creative hobby, such as painting or playing a musical instrument, can all help strengthen cognition.
• Physical activity: Exercise is one of the most effective ways to support brain health. Activities that involve coordination and balance, such as ballroom dancing or tai chi, are particularly beneficial. Chair yoga and simple exercises can be performed seated or standing with a walker and assist seniors at all levels. Weight-bearing exercises not only help maintain muscle and bone health but also support cognitive function by increasing circulation to the brain.
• Diet and nutrition: Proper nutrition also plays a crucial role in brain health. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients protects against cognitive decline and nourishes the brain and nervous system. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds support brain function, while leafy greens and colorful vegetables provide important antioxidants.
• Proper sleep: Restorative sleep is essential to detoxify the brain and entire nervous system. A good night’s sleep goes a long way toward memory and cognitive function. Many seniors have suffered years without proper restorative sleep, but there are specific steps to implement proper sleep hygiene that can reset the circadian rhythm and allow for restful, restorative sleep once again.
The Gut–Brain Connection and Supplements for Cognitive Health
The health of the gut microbiome has been linked to brain function, making probiotics an important consideration for cognitive support. A balanced gut can enhance mental clarity and reduce inflammation, both of which play a role in brain aging. Specific strains of probiotics enhance the gut-brain connection and act as “nootropics,” a term used to describe any substance that has been proven to improve cognition and support healthy brain function.
Naturopathic care is essential to optimizing aging: testing to find out nutritional deficiencies, ensuring proper nutrition for an aging gut, and aligning the gut–brain axis with the right probiotics can help slow cognitive decline and should be part of a holistic approach to optimizing aging.
Certain herbs and supplements have also been studied for their effects on longevity and cognitive health.
• Ginkgo biloba is known for improving microcirculation and supporting memory.
•Ashwagandha is an herb that can help reduce stress and support sleep and general brain function.
• Vitamin B12 can improve memory and f ocus for those who have low B12 levels.
• Vitamins D and K play a role in enhancing immunity, maintaining bone density, and improving cognitive resilience.
• Vitamin E can help delay the pace of cognitive decline among those with dementia.
• L-theanine is an amino acid that has shown promise for improving both mood and memory.
•Phosphatidylserine is another potential nootropic that may help boost brain function.
The Role of Personalized Coaching
Everyone’s cognitive health journey is unique, so working with a health coach who specializes in senior wellness can be a valuable resource. Such a coach can provide guidance on lifestyle changes, personalized brain-boosting exercises, and nutritional strategies to optimize long-term health and independence.
Improving cognitive efficiency not only supports mental health but also enhances overall quality of life. When seniors feel more confident in their abilities, they’re more likely to stay active, engage in social activities, and retain independence. With the right strategies, it’s possible to optimize brain health and maintain a vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle well into later years.
Dr. Dana Lapointe is a licensed naturopathic physician and certified mental wellness coach with a passion for cognitive health and senior wellness. She offers in-person and virtual naturopathic care in CT, specializing in chronic conditions, especially gut, skin, weight, and pain syndromes. She also provides general health coaching, mental wellness coaching, and several online health coaching programs, including a cognitive health program that helps seniors enhance mental well-being and maintain independence. Learn more at DrDanaLapointe.com. See ad on page 41 >
“Engaging
in activities that challenge the brain is essential for maintaining neuroplasticity— the brain’s ability to form new nerve pathways. Activities like jigsaw or crossword puzzles, sudoku, learning a new language, or a creative hobby, such as painting or playing a musical instrument, can all help strengthen cognition.”
—Dr. Dana Lapointe, ND
For example, your family may hire an elder law attorney to discuss the importance of wills and estate planning, create a durable power of attorney, and provide information on government programs for seniors. A geriatrics specialist or medical care manager could provide you and your family with assistance in finding community resources that address the healthcare aspects of aging and disability. They can create a medical care plan as well as provide counsel on in-home care and assisted living facilities. While many people don’t consider this, a psychologist or social worker can be an extremely beneficial addition to your team by providing therapy and perspective for you and your family during this time when it feels like power over your life is shifting.
The Role of a Trusted Advisor
If you meet regularly with your financial advisor, they may be among the first to notice a decline in your mental or physical health. Because of this, a trusted and objective financial advisor is essential during this stage of life. Among the members of your eldercare team, a financial advisor plays an important role in facilitating conversations and developing plans that help you and your family navigate the financial challenges that arise when building an eldercare team. These members of your team help to ensure your financial preparedness for health and estate issues and can appoint an advocate to deal with legacy-related aspects such as ensuring that your children, charities, and church receive what you intend to leave behind for them.
So, who will you put on your eldercare team? Choose the ones who care.
Securities, insurance products, financial planning, and investment management services offered through Wintrust Investments, LLC (Member FINRA/ SIPC), founded in 1931. Trust and asset management services offered by The Chicago Trust Company, N.A. and Great Lakes Advisors, LLC, respectively. Investment products such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are: NOT FDIC INSURED | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. See ad on Back Cover >
Understanding Your Energy Is the Key to a Better World
By Kelly L. McCarthy
Maya Angelou said it best: “When we know better, we do better.” But what does that mean on a deeper, energetic level? It means that when we become conscious of our unique frequency—the energy we carry and project—we create space for others to rise into their own awareness. We move from reacting to life to intentionally creating it.
The truth is that each of us is constantly emitting energy. Our thoughts, emotions, words, and actions create ripples that impact everyone we encounter. Whether we realize it or not, we are cocreating the world around us through the frequency we embody.
But here’s the key to this profound awareness for the collective: We’re stepping into a new time— one that invites us to feel more and think less, to create rather than react, and to simplify rather than complicate. It’s a time to come back to our essence and remember that balance is found within, not outside of us.
We often think the world around us is responsible for how we feel. But what if we pause to recognize that our inner state is shaping what we experience? Here are some empowering and reflective questions to help you become aware of your energetic frequency:
• What energy am I bringing to this moment?
• Am I reacting to life, or am I consciously creating it?
• Am I allowing external situations to dictate my mood, or am I choosing my response from a place of awareness?
• How can I simplify this situation? Am I overcomplicating it with my thoughts and emotions?
A Simple Example from Daily Life
Imagine you’re having a productive day, and suddenly, your computer crashes. Some people will react with frustration, panic, or anger, creating ripples of chaotic energy. Others might take a breath, accept the moment as it is, and see it as an opportunity to pause and reset.
The difference is awareness.
When we live unconsciously, we project our internal chaos outward, imprinting stress, frustration, and negativity onto others. But when we live with intention, we hold space for calm, balance, and compassion, even in challenging moments. Here are some practices to bring more awareness into your life.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES Local
Experts In and Around Naples
ACUPUNCTURE/ TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Dr. Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Spine & Joint Institute Naples,FL • 239.330.1000 sta @feelamazing.com feelamazing.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on Stem Cells for spine and joint, neuropathy solutions for legs, feet, and hands, and Spinal Decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a Chiropractic Neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
BIOLOGICAL DENTIST
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD Naples, FL • 239.692.9623 puredentalnaples.com
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD, has been practicing dentistry for 29 years. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston and interned at New Orleans Coast Guard/Navy Base. Her holistic approach to dentistry encompasses each person’s unique and entire (or whole, therefore holistic) state of physical and emotional well-being. The ability to maintain health through preventive measures and treatments of oral disease is her priority. Dr. Perez focuses on the underlying condition, rather than only treating the symptoms. She tests for biocompatibility to find pathways to reduce inflammation.
Most people think pain is a standard part of the aging process. We help people age 50+ avoid surgery and pain pills so they can keep active, mobile, and living their best life!
This innovative technology uses the static pressure of the robotic arm to release muscle tension, lengthening muscles back to their original state. This reduces pressure on joints/bones and increases flexibility. Clients report pain resolution, greater mobility, recovery from injury, increased range of motion, and a general feeling of well-being.
Dr. Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Spine & Joint Institute Naples, FL • 239.330.1000 sta @feelamazing.com feelamazing.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on stem cells for spine and joint, neuropathy solutions for legs, feet, and hands, and spinal decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a chiropractic neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
Julie Meer
Dorn Pain Academy LLC Naples, FL • 239.315.1975 juliemeer@dornacadintl.com dornacadintl.com
Pain relief for all ages through intuitive touch and unique global modalities including Meer Method® (U.S.), Spinal Flow® (Australia), and Dorn Method (Germany). There is an innate instinct and intellegence inside every human body to restore, reduce and revise itself of pain or discomfort. We just need to help it along!
Nina Azwoir is a licensed Financial Advisor with over 17 years of industry experience in the realm of wealth management, financial planning, and retirement solutions. Nina has the knowledge and perspective to help
keep her clients and their financial future on a steady course as they navigate through life and retirement. Her highest priority is her clients and their families. Reach out to Nina for your complimentary financial plan.
Susie Bagwell
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Susie Bagwell has been using essential oils for over 20 years and helps her customers with cutting edge natural solutions. Her “Smell ’em Wear ’em Drink ’em” slogan applies to more than just certified pure essential oils. Her dōTERRA brand products also include bioavailable supplements and exclusive home care products.
Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS Berman Health and Wellness Naples, FL • 239.431.0232 bermanpt.com/wellness
Berman Health and Wellness is a Functional Medicine Center that helps individuals reach their goal weight and optimize their gut health, while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Our goal is to evaluate the metabolism, gut health, and bloodwork to optimizeeach aspect of the client.
Educating clients about all aspects of natural health. Truly healthy food, living chemical-free and detoxing, healthy home, emotional well-being, reducing stress, movement, supplements/homeopathy. Helping you recover, enhance, and protect your health. Providing the foundation you need to live your best life full of energy and vitality.
DIABETES REVERSAL COACHING
Denise A. Pancyrz, CHN, DSS™
CuraVida Wellness Solutions
Marco Island, FL • 877.287.2843
denise@mycuravida.com MyCuraVida.com
The conventional approach to managing type 2 diabetes long term is not effective. Holistic lifestyle coaching helps to reverse the effects of diabetes, guiding you away from counting carbs and diets and leading you to recognize factors that affect your glucose. Lower your A1c, stabilize glucose levels, increase your energy, and lose weight naturally.
ENERGY HEALING
Lisa H Sprague MSS, PTA, LMT Good News Doctor Naples Naples, FL • 239.821.1223 GoodNewsLisa@aol.com goodnewsdoctor.com
This is where cellular science meets holistic healing! I believe that all healing starts at the cellular level. Cutting-edge therapies, diagnostics, and natural solutions target the root causes of cellular dysfunction and help you recover and optimize your performance, health, and well-being from a deeper level and at a faster rate. Restore to optimal health with a holistic approach. It is never too late. I hope to see you soon!
ESSENTIAL OILS AND NUTRIENTS
Susie Bagwell
I Love Oils, Inc. Fort Myers, FL • 586.604.3500 susie@iloveoils.com iloveoils.com
Susie Bagwell has been using essential oils for over 20 years and helps her customers with cutting edge natural solutions. Her “Smell ’em Wear ’em Drink ’em” slogan applies to more than just certified pure essential oils. Her dōTERRA brand products also include bioavailable supplements and exclusive home care products.
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Wintrust Wealth Management
Nina Azwoir, First Vice President Naples • 239.697.5204
Nina Azwoir is a licensed Financial Advisor with over 17 years of industry experience in the realm of wealth management, financial planning, and retirement solutions. Nina has the knowledge and perspective to help keep her clients and their financial future on a steady course as they navigate through life and retirement. Her highest priority is her clients and their families. Reach out to Nina for your complimentary financial plan.
FLOAT SPA
Cloud9 Float Spa
Fort Myers • 239.887.4161 c9floatspa.com
Cloud9 Float Spa & Wellness Center will be celebrating our 6th anniversary on April 1. What an exciting time it has been as we continue educating clients on the many benefits of magnesium for health. Many lives have been restored, reclaimed, and enriched by adding floating to their weekly routine. Make your appointment today to start enriching your life.
Dr. Steve Case, MD Body Restore of Naples Naples,FL • 239.241.2869 4760 TAMIAMI TRAIL N bodyrestorenaples@gmail.com
Dr. Case is an orthopedic surgeon with twenty-five years of experience. He provides the lastest generation platelet-rich plasma and stem cell treatments, peptides, and testosterone replacement to avoid major surgeries, decrease pain, and optimize joint mobility and function. We help you get your life back.
Dr. Richard Hiler
Feel Amazing Spine & Joint Institute
Naples, FL • 239.330.1000 sta @feelamazing.com feelamazing.com
Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute focuses on stem cells for spine and joint, neuropathy solutions for legs, feet, and hands, and spinal decompression to relieve chronic or severe back and neck pain. Call for a free telephone consultation with a chiropractic neurologist or for a free recorded webinar.
Best Medicine is the holistic/ functional practice of Carol L. Roberts, MD, providing longevity services, including natural hormone replacement therapy, and second opinions for chronic conditions undertreated by conventional medicine. Located in Sarasota, Florida, Dr. Roberts has decades of experience in the field and truly listens to her patients.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Berman Physical Therapy
Dr. Jake Berman, PT, DPT 501 Goodlette Rd N, C-100, Naples, FL 34102 • 239.431.0232 Drberman@bermanpt.com Bermanpt.com
Most people think pain is a standard part of the aging process. We help people age 50+ avoid surgery and pain pills so they can keep active, mobile, and living their best life!
HOLISTIC FUNCTIONAL HEALTHCARE
Berman Health and Wellness
Jenni Berman, PA-C, CPT, CNS 501 Goodlette Rd N Unit C202 Naples, FL 34102 • 239.431.0232 bermanpt.com/wellness
Berman Health and Wellness is a Functional Medicine Center that helps individuals reach their goal weight and optimize their gut health, while avoiding needless medications and achieving the highest quality of life imaginable. Our goal is to evaluate the metabolism, gut health, and bloodwork to optimize each aspect of the client.
Join Dr. Diane in...
THE PATH TO HEALING: CONVERSATIONS WITH NATURAL NUTMEG EXPERT PRACTITIONERS
Dr. Diane hosts a monthly LIVE Zoom call with a holistic practitioner panel of experts on all things holistic.
Wednesday, March 26th, 12pm-1pm
Brain Health and Alzheimers Prevention - learn about brain boosting treatments to fight dementia and reverse Alzheimer’s.
Wednesday, April 30th, 12pm-1pm
Longevity Medicine - explore the latest biohacks to prevent cancer and heart disease and increase vitality and performance.
Wednesday, May 28th, 12pm-1pm
Lyme Disease - Connecticut’s top Lyme experts discuss cellular stress and psychological conditions with chronic Lyme and cutting edge treatments for this complex disease.
Hear from...
• Naturopathic Physicians
• Functional Medicine MDs
• Coaches
• Nutritionists
• Hypnotherapists
• Energy Healers
• Acupuncturists and more
...on the latest cutting-edge techniques and technology for treating chronic disease and prevention and longevity biohacks.
SIGN UP AT: https://bit.ly/NN_conversationswithexperts
